CN114442836A - Display device - Google Patents

Abstract

A display device is disclosed. The display device includes: a display panel, comprising: a display layer; and a sensor layer on the display layer and including a first region, a second region, and a third region; a first driver electrically connected to the sensor layer through the first pad region; and a second driver electrically connected to the sensor layer through the second pad area. The sensor layer includes: a plurality of electrodes at the first, second, and third regions; a plurality of first intersecting electrodes at the first region and electrically connected with the first driver; a plurality of second intersecting electrodes at the second region and electrically connected with the first driver and the second driver; and a plurality of third intersecting electrodes at the third region and electrically connected to the second driver. Each of the first pad area and the second pad area is spaced apart from the second area in the first direction.

Description

Display device

This application claims priority and benefit of korean patent application No. 10-2020-0147860, filed in the korean intellectual property office on 6.11.2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

Aspects of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device having improved sensing performance.

Background

Multimedia electronic devices (e.g., exemplified by televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, navigation devices, game consoles, etc.) include display devices for displaying images. The display device may include a sensor layer (or input sensor) capable of providing a touch-based input method that enables a user to intuitively and conveniently input information and/or instructions, in addition to other input methods (e.g., buttons, a keyboard, and/or a mouse, etc.).

The above information disclosed in this background section is for enhancement of understanding of the background of the disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device having improved sensing performance.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel including a display layer configured to display an image and a sensor layer on the display layer and configured to sense an external input, the sensor layer including a first region, a second region adjacent to the first region in a first direction, and a third region adjacent to the second region in the first direction; a first driver electrically connected to the sensor layer through a first pad area of the display panel; and a second driver electrically connected with the sensor layer through a second pad area of the display panel. The sensor layer includes: a plurality of electrodes spaced apart from each other along a second direction crossing the first direction, each of the plurality of electrodes being located at the first region, the second region, and the third region; a plurality of first intersecting electrodes at the first region and spaced apart from each other along the first direction, the plurality of first intersecting electrodes being electrically connected with the first driver; a plurality of second intersecting electrodes at the second region and spaced apart from each other along the first direction, the plurality of second intersecting electrodes being electrically connected with the first driver and the second driver; and a plurality of third intersecting electrodes at the third region and spaced apart from each other along the first direction, the plurality of third intersecting electrodes being electrically connected with the second driver. Each of the first pad area and the second pad area is spaced apart from the second area in the first direction.

In an embodiment, the first and second pad areas may be spaced apart from each other with the first to third areas between the first and second pad areas.

In an embodiment, the display device may further include: and a circuit film attached to the first pad area and the second pad area, and the first driver and the second driver may be on the circuit film.

In an embodiment, the circuit film may include: a first connection line configured to connect the first driver and one of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes to each other; and a second connection line configured to connect the second driver and another one of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes to each other.

In an embodiment, the display device may further include: a first circuit film attached to the first pad area; and a second circuit film attached to the second pad area and electrically connected to the first circuit film. The first driver may be on the first circuit film, and the second driver may be on the second circuit film.

In an embodiment, the sensor layer may include an active area and a peripheral area around the active area, and the plurality of electrodes, the plurality of first intersecting electrodes, the plurality of second intersecting electrodes, and the plurality of third intersecting electrodes may be at the active area. The sensor layer may further include: a first connection line at the peripheral region and surrounding the active region, the first connection line being electrically connected with one of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes; and a second connection line at the peripheral region and surrounding the active region, the second connection line being electrically connected with another one of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes.

In an embodiment, the first driver and the second driver may be electrically connected with the first connection line and the second connection line, respectively.

In an embodiment, the first pad area and the second pad area may be spaced apart from the third area in the first direction and may be adjacent to each other in the second direction. The display device may further include a circuit film attached to the first pad area and the second pad area, and the first driver and the second driver may be on the circuit film.

In an embodiment, the circuit film may include: a first line electrically connected to one of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes and electrically connected to a second driver; a second line electrically connected to another of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes and electrically connected to the first driver; a first connection line configured to connect the first line and the first driver to each other; and a second connection line configured to connect the second line and the second driver to each other.

In an embodiment, the display panel may include: a plurality of first pads at the first pad area; and a plurality of second pads at the second pad area, and the plurality of first pads may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction, and the plurality of second pads may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

In an embodiment, the display panel may include a folding area configured to be folded and unfolded about a folding axis extending in the second direction, the folding axis overlapping the second area.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel, comprising: a display layer configured to display an image; and a sensor layer on the display layer and configured to sense an external input, the sensor layer including a first region, a second region adjacent to the first region in the first direction, and a third region adjacent to the second region in the first direction; a first driver electrically connected to the sensor layer through a first pad area of the display panel; and a second driver electrically connected with the sensor layer through a second pad area of the display panel. The display panel is configured to be folded and unfolded about a folding axis extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, the folding axis overlapping the second region, and the display panel further includes: a plurality of first pads at the first pad area and spaced apart from each other in the second direction; and a plurality of second pads at the second pad area and spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

In an embodiment, the sensor layer may include: a plurality of electrodes spaced apart from each other in the second direction, each of the plurality of electrodes being located at the first region, the second region, and the third region; a plurality of first intersecting electrodes at the first region and spaced apart from each other in the first direction, the plurality of first intersecting electrodes being electrically connected with the first driver; a plurality of second intersecting electrodes at the second region and spaced apart from each other in the first direction, the plurality of second intersecting electrodes being electrically connected with the first driver and the second driver; and a plurality of third intersecting electrodes at the third region and spaced apart from each other in the first direction, the plurality of third intersecting electrodes being electrically connected with the second driver.

In an embodiment, the sensor layer may further include: a first connection line electrically connected to one of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes; and a second connection line electrically connected to another one of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes. Each of the first and second connection lines may surround the plurality of electrodes, the plurality of first intersecting electrodes, the plurality of second intersecting electrodes, and the plurality of third intersecting electrodes.

In an embodiment, the display device may further include: and a circuit film attached to the first pad area and the second pad area, and the first driver and the second driver may be on the circuit film.

In an embodiment, the circuit film may include: a first connection line configured to connect the first driver and one of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes to each other; and a second connection line configured to connect the second driver and another one of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes to each other.

In an embodiment, the first and second pad areas may be spaced apart from each other with the first to third areas between the first and second pad areas.

In an embodiment, the first and second pad areas may be spaced apart from the third area in the first direction and may be adjacent to each other in the second direction.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a sensor layer comprising: a plurality of electrodes; and a plurality of first intersecting electrodes, a plurality of second intersecting electrodes, and a plurality of third intersecting electrodes intersecting the plurality of electrodes; a first driver electrically connected to the plurality of first intersecting electrodes and the plurality of second intersecting electrodes through the plurality of first pads; and a second driver electrically connected with the plurality of second intersecting electrodes and the plurality of third intersecting electrodes through the plurality of second pads. The sensor layer further includes: a first region at which the plurality of first intersecting electrodes are located; a second region at which a plurality of second intersecting electrodes are located; and a third region at which the plurality of third intersecting electrodes are located, and the first region, the second region, and the third region are adjacent to each other along the first direction. The second region is configured to fold and unfold about a folding axis extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the plurality of first pads are spaced apart from the second region in the first direction, the plurality of second pads are spaced apart from the second region in the first direction, and the plurality of first pads and the plurality of second pads are spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

In an embodiment, the display device may further include: a circuit film attached to the plurality of first pads and the plurality of second pads, the first driver and the second driver being located on the circuit film, and the circuit film may include: a first connection line configured to connect the first driver and one of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes to each other; and a second connection line configured to connect the second driver and another one of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes to each other.

In an embodiment, the sensor layer may further include: a first connection line electrically connected to one of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes; and a second connection line electrically connected to another one of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes. Each of the first and second connection lines may surround the plurality of electrodes, the plurality of first intersecting electrodes, the plurality of second intersecting electrodes, and the plurality of third intersecting electrodes.

Drawings

The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description of illustrative, non-limiting example embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1B is a perspective view illustrating a folded state of the display device shown in fig. 1A.

Fig. 2 is a view illustrating an operation between a display device and an input device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a sensor layer and a sensor driving unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram of a sensor layer and a sensor driving unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is a plan view illustrating a display panel and a circuit film according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 is a plan view illustrating a display panel and a circuit film according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 is a plan view illustrating a display panel and a circuit film according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 is a plan view illustrating a display panel and a circuit film according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11 is a plan view illustrating a display panel and a circuit film according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 12A is a plan view illustrating a display panel and a circuit film according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 12B is a rear view of the display panel and the circuit film shown in fig. 12A.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged plan view illustrating the sensing unit shown in fig. 5.

Fig. 14 is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 15 is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Example embodiments will hereinafter be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey aspects and features of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, processes, elements, and techniques may not be described as necessary for a complete understanding of the aspects and features of the present disclosure by one of ordinary skill in the art. Unless otherwise indicated, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings and written description, and thus, the description thereof may not be repeated.

While certain embodiments may be implemented differently, the particular process sequence may differ from that described. For example, two processes described in succession may be executed concurrently or substantially concurrently, or may be executed in the reverse order to that described.

In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers and regions may be exaggerated and/or simplified for clarity. Spatially relative terms such as "below … …," "below … …," "below," "… …," "above … …," "upper," and the like may be used herein for ease of explanation to describe one element or feature's relationship to another (additional) element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example terms "below … …" and "below … …" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

In the drawings, the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 are not limited to three axes of a rectangular coordinate system, and may be explained in a broader sense. For example, the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other, or may represent different directions from each other that are not perpendicular to each other.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layer or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. Similarly, when a layer, region or element is referred to as being "electrically connected" to another layer, region or element, the layer, region or element may be directly electrically connected to the other layer, region or element and/or may be indirectly electrically connected with one or more intervening layers, regions or elements therebetween. In addition, it will also be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, the element or layer may be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, the expression "a and/or B" means A, B or a and B. When a statement such as "at least one of … …" is placed after a list of elements, that entire list of elements is modified rather than modifying an individual element in the list. For example, the expression "at least one (kind/one) of a, b and c" means only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b and c, or their variants.

As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and the like are used as approximate terms and not as degree terms, and are intended to take into account the inherent deviation of a measured or calculated value that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may (may)" refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term "use" and variations thereof may be considered synonymous with the term "utilize" and variations thereof, respectively. Moreover, the term "exemplary" is intended to mean exemplary or illustrative.

Electronic or electrical devices and/or any other related devices or components (e.g., display driver units, sensor driver units, main driver units, etc.) according to embodiments of the disclosure described herein may be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., application specific integrated circuits), software, or combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, various components of these devices may be formed on one Integrated Circuit (IC) chip or on separate IC chips. In addition, various components of these devices may be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, a Tape Carrier Package (TCP), a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), or formed on one substrate. Further, various components of these devices may be processes or threads that execute on one or more processors in one or more computing devices, execute computer program instructions, and interact with other system components to perform the various functions described herein. The computer program instructions are stored in a memory, which may be implemented in the computing device using standard memory devices, such as Random Access Memory (RAM) for example. The computer program instructions may also be stored in other non-transitory computer readable media, such as CD-ROMs, flash drives, etc., for example. Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize that the functionality of the various computing devices may be combined or integrated into a single computing device, or that the functionality of a particular computing device may be distributed across one or more other computing devices, without departing from the spirit and scope of the example embodiments of the present disclosure.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and/or the present specification and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 1B is a perspective view illustrating a folded state of the display device shown in fig. 1A.

Referring to fig. 1A and 1B, the display apparatus 1000 may include a display surface DS defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2 crossing the first direction DR 1. The display apparatus 1000 may provide the image IM to the user through the display surface DS.

The display surface DS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA around (e.g., adjacent to) the display area DA. The display area DA may display the image IM and the non-display area NDA may not display the image. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA (e.g., around the periphery of the display area DA). However, the present disclosure is not limited to the shapes of the display area DA and the non-display area NDA shown in fig. 1A, and the shapes of the display area DA and the non-display area NDA may be variously modified.

Hereinafter, a direction orthogonally or substantially orthogonally intersecting a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 is defined as a third direction (e.g., thickness direction) DR 3. Furthermore, as used herein, the expression "on a plane" may be defined as a state viewed from the third direction DR3 (or on the third direction DR 3), or in other words, as a plan view (e.g., a view from a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the top surface (e.g., taking the display surface DS as an example) of the relevant layer or element).

The display apparatus 1000 may include a folding area FA and a plurality of non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA 2. The non-folding regions NFA1 and NFA2 may include a first non-folding region NFA1 and a second non-folding region NFA 2. The folding area FA may be disposed between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA 2. The first non-folding region NFA1, the folding region FA, and the second non-folding region NFA2 may be sequentially defined in the display device 1000 along the first direction DR 1.

Although one folding area FA and two non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 are illustrated in fig. 1A, the number of folding areas FA and the number of non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 are not limited thereto. For example, the display device 1000 may include three or more non-folding regions and a plurality of folding regions disposed between the non-folding regions.

Referring to fig. 1B, the display apparatus 1000 may be a foldable display apparatus 1000 that is folded and/or unfolded. For example, the folding area FA may be bent about a folding axis FX parallel or substantially parallel to the second direction DR2 such that the display apparatus 1000 may be folded. The folding axis FX may be defined as a short axis parallel or substantially parallel to a short side of the display apparatus 1000, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device 1000 may be folded in an in-folded manner such that the first and second non-folded regions NFA1 and NFA2 face each other and the display surface DS is not exposed to the outside.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device 1000 may be folded in an out-folding manner such that the display surface DS is exposed to the outside. As another example, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display apparatus 1000 may be configured to be repeatedly folded in and folded out, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display apparatus 1000 may be configured to selectively perform at least one of an unfolding operation, an inner folding operation, and an outer folding operation.

Fig. 2 is a view illustrating an operation between a display device and an input device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 2, the display device 1000 may sense various inputs applied from the outside. For example, the display device 1000 may sense both a first input through the input device 2000 and a second input through the touch 3000. The input device 2000 may be an active type input means for supplying a driving signal. The input device 2000 may be, for example, an active pen. Touch 3000 may include any suitable input means capable of causing a change in capacitance, such as, for example, a portion of a user's body and/or a passive pen, etc.

The display device 1000 and the input device 2000 may perform bidirectional communication with each other. Display device 1000 may provide uplink signal ULS to input device 2000 and input device 2000 may provide downlink signal DLS to display device 1000. For example, the uplink signal ULS may include various suitable information, such as panel information, protocol version, etc., for example, although the disclosure is not particularly limited thereto. The downlink signal DLS may include a synchronization signal or status information of the input device 2000. For example, the downlink signal DLS may include coordinate information of the input device 2000, battery information of the input device 2000, tilt information of the input device 2000, and/or various information stored in the input device 2000, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto.

The display device 1000 may include a display panel DP, a display driving unit (e.g., a display driver or a display driving circuit) 100C, a sensor driving unit (e.g., a sensor driver or a sensor driving circuit) 200C, and a main driving unit (e.g., a main driver or a main driving circuit) 1000C. The display panel DP may include a display layer 100 and a sensor layer 200.

The display layer 100 may be a component that produces or substantially produces an image. The display layer 100 may be an emissive display layer. For example, the display layer 100 may be an organic light emitting display layer, a quantum dot display layer, a micro LED display layer, or a nano LED display layer.

The sensor layer 200 may be disposed on the display layer 100. The sensor layer 200 may sense an external input applied from the outside. The sensor layer 200 may sense a first input through the input device 2000 and a second input through the touch 3000. In an embodiment, the sensor layer 200 may be an external sensor attached to the display layer 100. In an embodiment, the sensor layer 200 may be an integrated sensor formed (e.g., continuously formed) in the manufacturing process of the display layer 100.

The main driving unit 1000C may control the overall operation of the display apparatus 1000. For example, the main driving unit 1000C may control the operations of the display driving unit 100C and the sensor driving unit 200C. The main driving unit 1000C may include at least one microprocessor. The main drive unit 1000C may be referred to as a host.

The display driving unit 100C may drive the display layer 100. The main driving unit 1000C may further include a graphic controller. The display driving unit 100C may receive the image data RGB and the control signal D-CS from the main driving unit 1000C. The control signal D-CS may comprise various suitable signals. For example, the control signal D-CS may include an input vertical synchronization signal, an input horizontal synchronization signal, a master clock, a data enable signal, and the like. Based on the control signals D-CS, the display driving unit 100C may generate a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal for controlling a timing at which signals are supplied to the display layer 100.

The sensor driving unit 200C may drive the sensor layer 200. The sensor driving unit 200C may receive the control signal I-CS from the main driving unit 1000C. The control signal I-CS may include a mode determination signal and a clock signal for determining a driving mode of the sensor driving unit 200C. Based on the control signal I-CS, the sensor driving unit 200C may operate in a first mode for sensing a first input through the input device 2000 or may operate in a second mode for sensing a second input through the touch 3000. The sensor driving unit 200C may operate in the first mode or the second mode according to (e.g., based on) the mode determination signal.

The sensor driving unit 200C may calculate coordinate information of the first input or the second input based on the signal received from the sensor layer 200, and may provide a coordinate signal I-SS having the coordinate information to the main driving unit 1000C. The main drive unit 1000C carries out an operation corresponding to the input of the user based on the coordinate signal I-SS. For example, the main driving unit 1000C may operate the display driving unit 100C to display a new application image at the display layer 100 (e.g., in the display layer 100 or on the display layer 100) based on the coordinate signal I-SS.

Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 3A, the display layer 100 may include a base layer 110, a circuit layer 120, a light emitting element layer 130, and an encapsulation layer 140.

The base layer 110 may be a member that provides a surface of the base on which the circuit layer 120 is disposed. The land layer 110 may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, a polymer substrate, or the like. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the base layer 110 may be an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite layer.

The base layer 110 may have a multi-layer structure. For example, the base layer 110 may include a first synthetic resin layer, silicon oxide (SiO) disposed on the first synthetic resin layer_x) A layer, an amorphous silicon (alpha-Si) layer disposed on the silicon oxide layer, and a second synthetic resin layer disposed on the amorphous silicon layer. The silicon oxide layer and the amorphous silicon layer may be referred to as a bulk barrier layer.

The first synthetic resin layer and the second synthetic resin layer may each include (for example, may each contain) a polyimide-based resin. As another example, the first synthetic resin layer and the second synthetic resin layer may each include at least one of an acrylate-based resin, a methacrylate-based resin, a polyisoprene-based resin, a vinyl-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a polyurethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, a silicone-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a perylene-based resin. Meanwhile, as used herein, the term "to" resin-like refers to an element, member or layer including a "to" functional group.

A circuit layer 120 may be disposed on the substrate layer 110. The circuit layer 120 may include an insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, a signal line, and the like. The insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer may be formed on the base layer 110 by a suitable method (e.g., coating, deposition, etc.), and may be selectively patterned by performing a photolithography process a plurality of times. Thereafter, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, and a signal line included in the circuit layer 120 may be formed.

The light emitting element layer 130 may be disposed on the circuit layer 120. The light emitting element layer 130 may include a light emitting element. For example, the light emitting element layer 130 may include an organic light emitting material, quantum dots, quantum rods, micro LEDs, or nano LEDs.

The encapsulation layer 140 may be disposed on the light emitting element layer 130. The encapsulation layer 140 may protect the light emitting element layer 130 from foreign substances (e.g., moisture, oxygen, and dust particles, for example).

The sensor layer 200 may be disposed on the display layer 100. The sensor layer 200 may sense an external input applied from the outside. The external input may be an input of a user. The user's input may include various suitable forms of external input, such as, for example, a portion of the user's body, a pen, light, heat, and/or pressure, among others.

The sensor layer 200 may be formed on the display layer 100 through a continuous process. In this case, the sensor layer 200 may be represented as being directly disposed on the display layer 100. When the sensor layer 200 is directly disposed on the display layer 100, the third component may not be disposed between the sensor layer 200 and the display layer 100. In other words, a separate adhesive member may not be disposed between the sensor layer 200 and the display layer 100. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the sensor layer 200 may be separately formed and attached to the display layer 100 via a separate adhesive means.

Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 3B, the display panel DP-1 may include a display layer 100, a sensor layer 200, and an adhesive layer ADH disposed between the display layer 100 and the sensor layer 200. The sensor layer 200 may be connected to (e.g., bonded to or attached to) the display layer 100 by an adhesive layer ADH. When the sensor layer 200 is connected to the display layer 100 by the adhesive layer ADH as shown in fig. 3B, the sensor layer 200 may be referred to as an external sensor layer 200.

The adhesive layer ADH may include (e.g., may contain) a conventional adhesive or sticky substance. For example, the adhesive layer ADH may be a transparent adhesive layer, for example, a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) film, an Optically Clear Adhesive (OCA) film, or an Optically Clear Resin (OCR).

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is a more detailed cross-sectional view of the display panel DP shown in fig. 3A. The display panel DP-1 shown in fig. 3B may correspond to the structure shown in fig. 4 except that an adhesive layer ADH (for example, refer to fig. 3B) is additionally disposed between the display layer 100 and the sensor layer 200 shown in fig. 4.

Referring to fig. 4, at least one inorganic layer is formed on the upper surface of the base layer 110. The inorganic layer may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. The inorganic layer may be formed as a plurality of layers. The plurality of inorganic layers may constitute the barrier layer and/or the buffer layer (e.g., the barrier layer and/or the buffer layer may be formed or may be included in the barrier layer and/or the buffer layer). In the present embodiment, the display layer 100 is shown to include a buffer layer BFL.

The buffer layer BFL may improve bonding force between the base layer 110 and the semiconductor pattern. The buffer layer BFL may include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride. For example, the buffer layer BFL may include a structure in which silicon oxide layers and silicon nitride layers are alternately stacked on each other.

The semiconductor pattern may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The semiconductor pattern may include polysilicon. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the semiconductor pattern may include amorphous silicon, low temperature polysilicon, or an oxide semiconductor.

Fig. 4 shows a portion of a semiconductor pattern, which may be additionally disposed in other regions. The semiconductor pattern may be arranged across the pixels according to a suitable rule (e.g., a predetermined or specific rule). The semiconductor patterns may have different electrical properties depending on whether the semiconductor patterns are doped or not. The semiconductor pattern may include a first region having high conductivity and a second region having low conductivity. The first region may be doped with an N-type dopant or a P-type dopant. The P-type transistor may include a doped region doped with a P-type dopant and the N-type transistor may include a doped region doped with an N-type dopant. The second region may be an undoped region or may be a region that is more lightly doped than the first region.

The first region may have higher conductivity than the second region, and may function as or substantially function as an electrode or a signal line. The second region may correspond or substantially correspond to an active region (or channel) of the transistor. In other words, a part of the semiconductor pattern may be an active region of the transistor, another part may be a source or a drain of the transistor, and another part may be a connection electrode or a connection signal line.

Each of the pixels may include an equivalent circuit including seven transistors, one capacitor, and a light emitting element. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the equivalent circuit of the pixel may be variously modified as needed or desired. Fig. 4 shows one transistor 100PC and one light emitting element 100PE included in a pixel.

The source SC, the active region AL, and the drain DR of the transistor 100PC may be formed of a semiconductor pattern. The source SC and the drain DR may extend from the active region AL in opposite directions in cross section. Fig. 4 shows a part of the connection signal line SCL formed by a semiconductor pattern. Although not separately shown, the connection signal line SCL may be connected to the drain DR of the transistor 100PC on a plane (e.g., in a plan view).

The first insulating layer 10 may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The first insulating layer 10 may be commonly stacked with the plurality of pixels, and may cover the semiconductor pattern. The first insulating layer 10 may be an inorganic layer and/or an organic layer, and may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The first insulating layer 10 may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. In the present embodiment, the first insulating layer 10 may be a single layer of silicon oxide. The first insulating layer 10 and various insulating layers of the circuit layer 120, which will be described in more detail below, may be inorganic layers and/or organic layers, and may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The inorganic layer may include at least one of the above materials, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The gate GT of the transistor 100PC is disposed on the first insulating layer 10. The gate GT may be a part of the metal pattern. The gate GT overlaps the active region AL. The gate GT may be used as a mask in a process of doping a semiconductor pattern.

The second insulating layer 20 may be disposed on the first insulating layer 10, and may cover the gate GT. The second insulating layer 20 may be commonly stacked with the pixels. The second insulating layer 20 may be an inorganic layer and/or an organic layer, and may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The second insulating layer 20 may include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride. In the present embodiment, the second insulating layer 20 may have a multilayer structure including a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer.

The third insulating layer 30 may be disposed on the second insulating layer 20. The third insulating layer 30 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. For example, the third insulating layer 30 may have a multi-layer structure including a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer.

The first connection electrode CNE1 may be disposed on the third insulation layer 30. The first connection electrode CNE1 may be connected to the connection signal line SCL through a contact hole CNT-1 formed through (e.g., penetrating) the first, second, and third insulating layers 10, 20, and 30.

The fourth insulation layer 40 may be disposed on the third insulation layer 30. The fourth insulating layer 40 may be a single layer of silicon oxide. The fifth insulating layer 50 may be disposed on the fourth insulating layer 40. The fifth insulating layer 50 may be an organic layer.

The second connection electrode CNE2 may be disposed on the fifth insulating layer 50. The second connection electrode CNE2 may be connected to the first connection electrode CNE1 through a contact hole CNT-2 formed through (e.g., penetrating) the fourth insulating layer 40 and the fifth insulating layer 50.

The sixth insulating layer 60 may be disposed on the fifth insulating layer 50, and may cover the second connection electrode CNE 2. The sixth insulating layer 60 may be an organic layer.

The light emitting element layer 130 may be disposed on the circuit layer 120. The light emitting element layer 130 may include the light emitting element 100 PE. For example, the light emitting element layer 130 may include an organic light emitting material, quantum dots, quantum rods, micro LEDs, or nano LEDs. Hereinafter, the light emitting element 100PE is described in more detail as an organic light emitting element for convenience. However, the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto.

The light emitting element 100PE may include a first electrode AE, a light emitting layer EL, and a second electrode CE.

The first electrode AE may be disposed on the sixth insulating layer 60. The first electrode AE may be connected to the second connection electrode CNE2 through a contact hole CNT-3 formed through (e.g., penetrating) the sixth insulating layer 60.

The pixel defining film 70 may be disposed on the sixth insulating layer 60, and may cover a portion of the first electrode AE. An opening 70-OP is defined in the pixel defining film 70. The opening 70-OP of the pixel defining film 70 exposes at least a portion of the first electrode AE.

The display area DA (for example, refer to fig. 1A) may include a transmission area PXA and a non-transmission area NPXA adjacent to the transmission area PXA. The non-transmission area NPXA may surround the transmission area PXA (e.g., around the periphery of the transmission area PXA). In the present embodiment, the emission area PXA is defined to correspond to a partial area of the first electrode AE exposed by the opening 70-OP.

The light emitting layer EL may be disposed on the first electrode AE. The light emitting layer EL may be disposed in a region corresponding to the opening 70-OP. In other words, the light emitting layer EL can be formed separately for each of the pixels. When the light emitting layer EL is separately formed for each of the pixels, the light emitting layers EL may each emit at least one of blue light, red light, and green light. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the light emitting layer EL may be commonly provided for the pixels. In this case, the light emitting layer EL may provide blue or white light.

The second electrode CE may be disposed on the light emitting layer EL. The second electrode CE may have a unitary shape and may be commonly disposed for a plurality of pixels.

In some embodiments, a hole control layer may be disposed between the first electrode AE and the light emitting layer EL. The hole control layer may be disposed at the emission area PXA and the non-emission area NPXA in common (for example, in or on the emission area PXA and the non-emission area NPXA). The hole control layer may include a hole transport layer, and may further include a hole injection layer. The electron control layer may be disposed between the light emitting layer EL and the second electrode CE. The electron control layer may include an electron transport layer, and may further include an electron injection layer. The hole control layer and the electron control layer may be formed commonly for a plurality of pixels by using an open mask.

The encapsulation layer 140 may be disposed on the light emitting element layer 130. The encapsulation layer 140 may include an inorganic layer, an organic layer, and an inorganic layer sequentially stacked on one another. However, the layers constituting the encapsulation layer 140 are not limited thereto.

The inorganic layer may protect the light emitting element layer 130 from moisture and oxygen, and the organic layer may protect the light emitting element layer 130 from foreign substances (for example, dust particles). The inorganic layer may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer. The organic layer may include, but is not limited to, an acrylate-based organic layer.

The sensor layer 200 may include a base layer 201, a first conductive layer 202, a sensing insulation layer 203, a second conductive layer 204, and a cover insulation layer 205.

The base layer 201 may be an inorganic layer including at least one of silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and silicon oxide. As another example, the base layer 201 may be an organic layer including an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, or an imide-based resin. The base layer 201 may have a single-layer structure, or may have a multi-layer structure stacked along the third direction DR 3.

Each of the first and second conductive layers 202 and 204 may have a single-layer structure, or may have a multi-layer structure stacked along the third direction DR 3.

The conductive layer having a single-layer structure may include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer may comprise molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, or alloys thereof. The transparent conductive layer may include a transparent conductive oxide, for example, Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), Indium Zinc Oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), Indium Zinc Tin Oxide (IZTO), and the like. In addition, the transparent conductive layer may include a conductive polymer (e.g., PEDOT as an example), a metal nanowire, graphene, or the like.

The conductive layer having a multi-layered structure may include various metal layers. The metal layer may have a three-layer structure of, for example, titanium/aluminum/titanium. The conductive layer having a multi-layered structure may include at least one metal layer and at least one transparent conductive layer.

At least one of the sensing insulating layer 203 and the capping insulating layer 205 may include an inorganic film. The inorganic film may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide.

At least one of the sensing insulating layer 203 and the capping insulating layer 205 may include an organic film. The organic film may include at least one of an acrylate-based resin, a methacrylate-based resin, a polyisoprene-based resin, a vinyl-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a polyurethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a perylene-based resin.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a sensor layer and a sensor driving unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 2 and 5, an active area 200A and a peripheral area 200NA may be defined at the sensor layer 200 (e.g., in the sensor layer 200 or on the sensor layer 200). The active area 200A may be an area for sensing an external input, and the peripheral area 200NA may be defined around the active area 200A. The peripheral area 200NA may surround the active area 200A (e.g., around the periphery of the active area 200A). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the shape of the effective area 200A and the shape of the peripheral area 200NA may be variously modified.

The sensor layer 200 can include a plurality of electrodes 210 and a plurality of intersecting electrodes 220 disposed at the active area 200A (e.g., in the active area 200A or on the active area 200A). The plurality of electrodes 210 may extend in the first direction DR1, and may be spaced apart from each other along a second direction DR2 crossing the first direction DR 1. The plurality of intersecting electrodes 220 may insulatively intersect the plurality of electrodes 210. The plurality of intersecting electrodes 220 may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be spaced apart from each other along the first direction DR 1.

The sensor driving unit 200C may include a first driver IC200C1, a second driver IC200C2, and a microcontroller 200C 3. The first driver IC200C1, the second driver IC200C2, and the microcontroller 200C3 may be separate Integrated Circuits (ICs) from each other. The microcontroller 200C3 may be a separate IC from the first driver IC200C1 and the second driver IC200C2, although the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, microcontroller 200C3 may be embedded in first driver IC200C1 or second driver IC200C 2.

The sensor layer 200 may be controlled by a first driver IC200C1 and a second driver IC200C 2. For example, a region sensed by the first driver IC200C1, a region sensed by the second driver IC200C2, and a region sensed by the first driver IC200C1 and the second driver IC200C2 may be defined at the sensor layer 200 (e.g., in the sensor layer 200 or on the sensor layer 200).

For example, the first region 200A1, the second region 200A2, and the third region 200A3 may be defined at the active area 200A of the sensor layer 200 (e.g., in the active area 200A of the sensor layer 200 or on the active area 200A of the sensor layer 200). The second region 200a2 may be adjacent to the first region 200a1 in the first direction DR1, and the third region 200A3 may be adjacent to the second region 200a2 in the first direction DR 1. In other words, the first region 200a1, the second region 200a2, and the third region 200A3 may be sequentially defined along the first direction DR 1.

A region sensed by the first driver IC200C1 may be defined as the first region 200a1, a region sensed by the second driver IC200C2 may be defined as the third region 200A3, and a region sensed by the first driver IC200C1 and the second driver IC200C2 may be defined as the second region 200a 2. The second area 200a2 may be defined as a boundary area.

The sensor layer 200 may operate in the first mode or the second mode through the first driver IC200C1 and the second driver IC200C 2. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the sensor layer 200 may be operated only in the second mode.

The first mode may be a mode in which the display apparatus 1000 and the input apparatus 2000 transmit and receive data to and from each other. In the first mode, the plurality of electrodes 210 and the plurality of intersecting electrodes 220 may each serve as a transmitter electrode for providing the uplink signal ULS from the sensor driving unit 200C to the input device 2000, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the plurality of electrodes 210 or the plurality of intersecting electrodes 220 may be used as transmitter electrodes.

In the second mode, the sensor driving unit 200C may sense a second input through the touch 3000. In the second mode, the sensor driving unit 200C may sense an external input by detecting a change in mutual capacitance formed between the plurality of electrodes 210 and the plurality of intersecting electrodes 220.

The sensor driving unit 200C may provide a Transmission (TX) signal (or a driving signal) to the plurality of electrodes 210. The sensor driving unit 200C may receive a Reception (RX) signal (or sensing signal) from the plurality of intersecting electrodes 220. In other words, in the second mode, the plurality of electrodes 210 may function as transmitter electrodes and the plurality of intersecting electrodes 220 may function as receiver electrodes.

Each of the plurality of electrodes 210 may be disposed at all of the first, second, and third regions 200a1, 200a2, and 200A3 (e.g., in all of the first, second, and third regions 200a1, 200a2, and 200A3 or on all of the first, second, and third regions 200a1, 200a2, and 200 A3). In other words, each of the plurality of electrodes 210 may extend across each of the first, second, and third regions 200a1, 200a2, 200 A3. The plurality of intersecting electrodes 220 may include a first intersecting electrode 221 disposed at the first region 200a1 (e.g., in the first region 200a1 or on the first region 200a 1), a second intersecting electrode 222 disposed at the second region 200a2 (e.g., in the second region 200a2 or on the second region 200a2), and a third intersecting electrode 223 disposed at the third region 200A3 (e.g., in the third region 200A3 or on the third region 200 A3).

All of the plurality of electrodes 210 may be electrically connected to one of the first driver IC200C1 and the second driver IC200C 2. As another example, some of the plurality of electrodes 210 may be electrically connected to the first driver IC200C1, and others of the plurality of electrodes 210 may be electrically connected to the second driver IC200C 2.

The first intersection electrode 221 may be electrically connected to the first driver IC200C1, the second intersection electrode 222 may be electrically connected to the first driver IC200C1 and the second driver IC200C2, and the third intersection electrode 223 may be electrically connected to the second driver IC200C 2.

Because the first driver IC200C1 and the second driver IC200C2 are separate ICs from each other, there may be a difference between the value sensed by the first driver IC200C1 and the value sensed by the second driver IC200C 2. In this case, since the second intersecting electrodes 222 provided at the boundary region (e.g., the second region 200a2) (e.g., in the boundary region (e.g., the second region 200a2) or on the boundary region (e.g., the second region 200a 2)) are connected to both the first driver IC200C1 and the second driver IC200C2, the difference can be reduced. Accordingly, the sensing performance of the sensor layer 200 may be improved.

Although fig. 5 shows an example in which two second intersecting electrodes 222 are provided at the boundary region (e.g., the second region 200a2), the number of second intersecting electrodes 222 is not particularly limited thereto. For example, two or more second intersecting electrodes 222 may be arranged at the boundary region (e.g., the second region 200a2) and may be connected to both the first driver IC200C1 and the second driver IC200C 2. When the sensor layer 200 is driven by a plurality of driver ICs, the sensor layer 200 may be applied even if the size of the display panel DP may increase.

The microcontroller 200C3 may serve as a host controller for the sensor drive unit 200C. For example, the microcontroller 200C3 may control the operation timing of the first driver IC200C1 and the second driver IC200C2, and may collect data obtained by the first driver IC200C1 and the second driver IC200C2 and supply the data to the main driving unit 1000C. The microcontroller 200C3 may calculate the sensing signal obtained by the first driver IC200C1 from the second intersection electrode 222 and the sensing signal obtained by the second driver IC200C2 from the second intersection electrode 222, and may reduce the sensing difference between the first driver IC200C1 and the second driver IC200C 2.

The display panel DP or the sensor layer 200 may include a plurality of first pads (pads, or referred to as "pads" or "pads") PD1 and a plurality of second pads PD 2. A plurality of first pads PD1 may be disposed at the first pad area PDA1 (e.g., in the first pad area PDA1 or on the first pad area PDA 1), and a plurality of second pads PD2 may be disposed at the second pad area PDA2 (e.g., in the second pad area PDA2 or on the second pad area PDA 2). The first driver IC200C1 may be electrically connected with the sensor layer 200 through a plurality of first pads PD1, and the second driver IC200C2 may be electrically connected with the sensor layer 200 through a plurality of second pads PD 2.

The first and second pad area PDAs 1 and 2 may be spaced apart from the second area 200a2 in the first direction DR 1. The plurality of first pads PD1 may be arranged at the first pad area PDA1 along the second direction DR2, and the plurality of second pads PD2 may be arranged at the second pad area PDA2 along the second direction DR 2.

The folding axis FX may overlap the second region 200a2 and may extend along the second direction DR 2. The plurality of first pads PD1 and the plurality of second pads PD2 may be each arranged in the same or substantially the same direction as the extending direction of the folding axis FX (e.g., in the second direction DR 2). The first pad area PDA1 and the second pad area PDA2 may be spaced apart from the folding axis FX in the first direction DR 1. For example, the first and second pad area PDAs 1 and 2 may be spaced apart from each other with the first, second, and third areas 200a1, 200a2, and 200A3 between the first and second pad area PDAs 1 and 2.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram of a sensor layer and a sensor driving unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In fig. 6, the same or substantially the same components as those described above with reference to fig. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and thus, redundant description thereof may not be repeated, and differences between the embodiment of fig. 5 and the embodiment of fig. 6 may be mainly described in more detail hereinafter.

Referring to fig. 2 and 6, the sensor driving unit 200C may include a first driver IC200C 1a, a second driver IC200C 2a, and a microcontroller 200C3 a.

The display panel DPa or the sensor layer 200a may include a plurality of first pads PD1a and a plurality of second pads PD2 a. A plurality of first pads PD1a may be disposed at the first pad area PDA1a (e.g., in the first pad area PDA1a or on the first pad area PDA 1a), and a plurality of second pads PD2a may be disposed at the second pad area PDA2a (e.g., in the second pad area PDA2a or on the second pad area PDA2 a). The first driver IC200C 1a may be electrically connected to the sensor layer 200a through a plurality of first pads PD1a, and the second driver IC200C 2a may be electrically connected to the sensor layer 200a through a plurality of second pads PD2 a.

The first and second pad areas PDA1a and PDA2a may be spaced apart from the second area 200a2 in the first direction DR 1. The first pad area PDA1a and the second pad area PDA2a may be spaced apart from the third area 200A3 in the first direction DR 1. The first pad area PDA1a and the second pad area PDA2a may be adjacent to each other in the second direction DR 2.

The plurality of first pads PD1a and the plurality of second pads PD2a may be arranged along the second direction DR 2. The first pad PD1a and the second pad PD2a may be arranged side by side in the same or substantially the same direction as the extending direction in which the folding axis FX extends.

Fig. 7 is a plan view illustrating a display panel and a circuit film according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 5 and 7, the circuit film FPC may be attached to the display panel DP. The circuit film FPC may be a flexible circuit film. The circuit film FPC may be connected to (e.g., bonded or attached to) the first pad area PDA1 and the second pad area PDA 2. Although an example shape of the circuit film FPC is shown in fig. 7, the shape of the circuit film FPC is not limited to the example shown in fig. 7. For example, as long as the circuit film FPC can be connected to (e.g., bonded or attached to) the first pad area PDA1 and the second pad area PDA2, the shape of the circuit film FPC is not particularly limited and may be variously modified.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the portion of the display panel DP where the first pad area PDA1 is defined and the portion of the display panel DP where the second pad area PDA2 is defined may be bent toward the rear surface of the display panel DP. In this case, the area (e.g., size) of the non-display area NDA (e.g., refer to fig. 1A) of the display device 1000 may be reduced. This will be described in more detail below with reference to fig. 12A and 12B.

The first driver IC200C1, the second driver IC200C2, and the microcontroller 200C3 may be mounted on the circuit film FPC. The first driver IC200C1 may be electrically connected with the display panel DP (e.g., with the sensor layer 200) through a plurality of first pads PD1 disposed at the first pad area PDA1 (e.g., in the first pad area PDA1 or on the first pad area PDA 1). The second driver IC200C2 may be electrically connected with the display panel DP (e.g., with the sensor layer 200) through a plurality of second pads PD2 disposed at the second pad area PDA2 (e.g., in the second pad area PDA2 or on the second pad area PDA 2).

The first intersection electrode 221 may be electrically connected to the first driver IC200C1, the second intersection electrode 222 may be electrically connected to both the first driver IC200C1 and the second driver IC200C2, and the third intersection electrode 223 may be electrically connected to the second driver IC200C 2.

The second intersecting electrode 222 may be referred to as a boundary electrode. For example, among the intersecting electrodes 220, all of intersecting electrodes disposed at one side of the second intersecting electrode 222 (e.g., in one side of the second intersecting electrode 222 or on one side of the second intersecting electrode 222) may be electrically connected to the first driver IC200C1, and all of intersecting electrodes disposed at an opposite side of the second intersecting electrode 222 (e.g., in or on an opposite side of the second intersecting electrode 222) may be electrically connected to the second driver IC200C 2.

The second intersecting electrode 222 may include a first boundary electrode 222a adjacent to the first intersecting electrode 221 and a second boundary electrode 222b adjacent to the third intersecting electrode 223. The fold axis FX can be defined between the first and second boundary electrodes 222a, 222b (e.g., can extend in an extension direction between the first and second boundary electrodes 222a, 222 b).

In fig. 7, an example is shown in which all of the plurality of electrodes 210 are electrically connected to the second driver IC200C 2. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, all of the plurality of electrodes 210 may be electrically connected to the first driver IC200C 1. As another example, some of the plurality of electrodes 210 may be electrically connected to the first driver IC200C1, and others of the plurality of electrodes 210 may be electrically connected to the second driver IC200C 2.

Traces 21r, 22r1, 22r2a, 22r2b, and 22r3 may be disposed at a peripheral area 200NA of sensor layer 200 (e.g., in peripheral area 200NA of sensor layer 200 or on peripheral area 200NA of sensor layer 200). For example, the traces 21r, 22r1, 22r2a, 22r2b, and 22r3 may include a first trace 21r, a second trace 22r1, a third trace 22r2a, a fourth trace 22r2b, and a fifth trace 22r 3.

The first trace 21r may be connected to the plurality of electrodes 210 in a one-to-one correspondence. Each of the first traces 21r may be connected to a corresponding one of the second pads PD2, second pad PD 2. Accordingly, the plurality of electrodes 210 may be electrically connected to the second driver IC200C2 via the corresponding second pads PD 2.

The second trace 22r1 may be connected to a plurality of first intersecting electrodes 221. For example, one first intersecting electrode 221 may be connected to two second traces 22r 1. One of the two second wire traces 22r1 may be connected to one end of one first intersecting electrode 221, and the other of the two second wire traces 22r1 may be connected to the opposite end of the one first intersecting electrode 221. The two second traces 22r1 connected to the same one of the first intersecting electrodes 221 may both be connected to the same one of the first pads PD1 in the first pad PD 1. Although fig. 7 shows an example in which two second wire traces 22r1 connected to the same first intersecting electrode 221 are connected to one first pad PD1, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the two second traces 22r1 may be connected to the two first pads PD1, respectively. The plurality of first intersecting electrodes 221 may be electrically connected to the first driver IC200C1 via corresponding first pads PD 1.

The third trace 22r2a may be connected to the first boundary electrode 222 a. The third trace 22r2a may be connected to one of the first pads PD 1. Accordingly, the first boundary electrode 222a may be electrically connected to the first driver IC200C1 via the corresponding first pad PD1 of the first pads PD 1.

The fourth wire trace 22r2b may be connected to the second boundary electrode 222 b. The fourth trace 22r2b may be connected to one of the second pads PD 2. Accordingly, the second boundary electrode 222b may be electrically connected to the second driver IC200C2 via the corresponding second pad PD2 of the second pads PD 2.

The fifth trace 22r3 may be connected to a plurality of third intersecting electrodes 223. For example, one third intersecting electrode 223 may be connected to two fifth traces 22r 3. One of the two fifth traces 22r3 may be connected to one end of one third intersecting electrode 223 and the other of the two fifth traces 22r3 may be connected to the opposite end of the one third intersecting electrode 223. The two fifth traces 22r3 connected to the same one of the third cross electrodes 223 may both be connected to the same one of the second pads PD2 in the second pad PD 2. Although fig. 7 shows an example in which two fifth wire traces 22r3 connected to the same third intersecting electrode 223 are connected to one second pad PD2, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the two fifth traces 22r3 may be connected to the two second pads PD2, respectively. The plurality of third intersecting electrodes 223 may be electrically connected to the second driver IC200C2 via the corresponding second pads PD 2.

The circuit film FPC may include a first connection line CNL1, a second connection line CNL2, a third connection line CCLx, and a fourth connection line CCLy. In addition, various communication lines may be further included in the circuit film FPC. For example, the circuit film FPC may further include a wire for I2C, SPI, or USB communication.

The first driver IC200C1 and the second boundary electrode 222b may be electrically connected to each other by a first connection line CNL 1. The second driver IC200C2 and the first boundary electrode 222a may be electrically connected to each other by a second connection line CNL 2. The first driver IC200C1 and the microcontroller 200C3 may be electrically connected to each other by a third connection line CCLx. The second driver IC200C2 and the microcontroller 200C3 may be electrically connected to each other through a fourth connection line CCLy.

The first connection line CNL1 and the second connection line CNL2 provided on the circuit film FPC may have a low resistance of several ohms (Ω). As the resistances of the first connection line CNL1 and the second connection line CNL2 decrease, a difference between a timing at which the first driver IC 220C1 receives a signal from the first boundary electrode 222a and a timing at which the second driver IC 220C2 receives a signal from the first boundary electrode 222a may decrease. In addition, the difference between the timing at which the first driver IC 220C1 receives a signal from the second boundary electrode 222b and the timing at which the second driver IC 220C2 receives a signal from the second boundary electrode 222b may also be reduced. Accordingly, the sensing sensitivity of the sensor layer 200 may be improved.

The circuit film FPC may have a ground, and thus, noise introduced into the first connection line CNL1 and the second connection line CNL2 may be shielded by the ground. In addition, the circuit film FPC may not be directly provided on the display layer 100 (for example, refer to fig. 2). In other words, since the first and second connection lines CNL1 and CNL2 are separated from the display layer 100 (e.g., refer to fig. 2) that may be a noise source, the influence of the display layer 100 on noise may be reduced or removed, and thus the sensing sensitivity of the sensor layer 200 may be improved. Since the circuit film FPC corresponds to a component (see, for example, fig. 12A and 12B) disposed under (e.g., under) the display panel DP, it may be easier to adjust the shape and/or area of the circuit film FPC than to adjust the shape and/or area of the peripheral region 200NA of the sensor layer 200. Therefore, when the first connection line CNL1 and the second connection line CNL2 are formed on the circuit film FPC, a higher degree of freedom in design can be achieved or attained than when the first connection line CNL1 and the second connection line CNL2 are formed at the peripheral region 200NA of the sensor layer 200 (e.g., in the peripheral region 200NA of the sensor layer 200 or on the peripheral region 200NA of the sensor layer 200).

Fig. 8 is a plan view illustrating a display panel and a circuit film according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In fig. 8, the same or substantially the same components as those described above with reference to fig. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and thus, redundant description thereof may not be repeated, and differences between the embodiment of fig. 7 and the embodiment of fig. 8 may be mainly described in more detail hereinafter.

Referring to fig. 5 and 8, a first circuit film FPC1 and a second circuit film FPC2 may be attached to the display panel DP. The first circuit film FPC1 may be attached to the first pad area PDA1, and the second circuit film FPC2 may be attached to the second pad area PDA 2. The first circuit film FPC1 and the second circuit film FPC2 may be electrically connected to each other. For example, the first and second circuit films FPC1 and 2 may be electrically connected to each other via pads on the first and second circuit films FPC1 and 2, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The first driver IC200C1 may be mounted on the first circuit film FPC 1. The second driver IC200C2 and the microcontroller 200C3 may be mounted on the second circuit film FPC 2.

The first circuit film FPC1 may include a first connection line CNL11, a second connection line CNL21, and a third connection line CCLx 1. The second circuit film FPC2 may include a first connection line CNL12, a second connection line CNL22, a third connection line CCLx2, and a fourth connection line CCLy. The first connection line CNL11 may be electrically connected to the first connection line CNL12, the second connection line CNL21 may be electrically connected to the second connection line CNL22, and the third connection line CCLx1 may be electrically connected to the third connection line CCLx 2.

The first driver IC200C1 and the second boundary electrode 222b may be electrically connected to each other through a first connection line CNL11 and a first connection line CNL 12. The second driver IC200C2 and the first boundary electrode 222a may be electrically connected to each other through a second connection line CNL21 and a second connection line CNL 22. The first driver IC200C1 and the microcontroller 200C3 may be electrically connected to each other through a third connection line CCLx1 and a third connection line CCLx 2. The second driver IC200C2 and the microcontroller 200C3 may be electrically connected to each other through a fourth connection line CCLy.

Fig. 9 is a plan view illustrating a display panel and a circuit film according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In fig. 9, the same or substantially the same components as those described above with reference to fig. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and thus, redundant description thereof may not be repeated, and differences between the embodiment of fig. 7 and the embodiment of fig. 9 may be mainly described in more detail hereinafter.

Referring to fig. 5 and 9, the circuit film FPC-1 may be attached to the display panel DPb. The circuit film FPC-1 may be attached to the first pad area PDA1 and the second pad area PDA 2.

The sensor layer 200-1 may further include a first connection line CNL1a and a second connection line CNL2 a. The first connection line CNL1a and the second connection line CNL2a may be disposed at the peripheral area 200NA (e.g., in or on the peripheral area 200 NA), and may surround the effective area 200A (e.g., around the periphery of the effective area 200A). The first and second connection lines CNL1a and CNL2a may each surround both the plurality of electrodes 210 and the plurality of intersecting electrodes 220.

The first connection line CNL1a may be electrically connected with one of the second intersecting electrodes 222, and the second connection line CNL2a may be electrically connected with another second intersecting electrode 222. For example, the first connection line CNL1a may be electrically connected to the first boundary electrode 222a, and the second connection line CNL2a may be electrically connected to the second boundary electrode 222 b.

The first driver IC200C1 may be electrically connected with the first connection line CNL1a and the second connection line CNL2a, and the second driver IC200C2 may be electrically connected with the first connection line CNL1a and the second connection line CNL2 a. In other words, the first boundary electrode 222a may be connected to both the first driver IC200C1 and the second driver IC200C2 through the first connection line CNL1a, and the second boundary electrode 222b may be connected to both the first driver IC200C1 and the second driver IC200C2 through the second connection line CNL2 a. The first and second connection lines CNL1a and CNL2a connecting the first and second boundary electrodes 222a and 222b to the first and second driver ICs 200C1 and 200C2 may have a shape surrounding the effective area 200A (e.g., around the periphery of the effective area 200A). The paths or lengths of the first connection line CNL1a and the second connection line CNL2a may be reduced, and thus, the possibility that noise may be introduced into the first connection line CNL1a and the second connection line CNL2a may be reduced or removed.

Fig. 10 is a plan view illustrating a display panel and a circuit film according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 6 and 10, the circuit film FPC-2 may be attached to the display panel DPa. The circuit film FPC-2 may be a flexible circuit film. The circuit film FPC-2 may be connected to (e.g., bonded to or attached to) the first pad area PDA1a and the second pad area PDA2 a.

The first pad area PDA1A and the second pad area PDA2a may not overlap the folding area FA (for example, refer to fig. 1A). For example, the first pad area PDA1a and the second pad area PDA2a may be spaced apart from the folding axis FX in the first direction DR 1. The first pad area PDA1a and the second pad area PDA2a may be adjacent to each other in the second direction DR 2.

The plurality of first pads PD1a and the plurality of second pads PD2a may be spaced apart from each other along the second direction DR 2. The direction in which the plurality of first pads PD1a and the plurality of second pads PD2a are arranged may be the same as or substantially the same as the extending direction in which the folding axis FX extends.

All of the plurality of electrodes 210 may be electrically connected to the first driver IC200C 1. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, all of the plurality of electrodes 210 may be electrically connected to the second driver IC200C 2. As another example, some of the plurality of electrodes 210 may be electrically connected to the first driver IC200C1, and others of the plurality of electrodes 210 may be electrically connected to the second driver IC200C 2.

The first intersection electrode 221 may be electrically connected to the second driver IC200C2, the second intersection electrode 222 may be electrically connected to both the first driver IC200C1 and the second driver IC200C2, and the third intersection electrode 223 may be electrically connected to the first driver IC200C 1.

Traces 21r, 22r1, 22r2a1, 22r2b2, and 22r3 can be disposed at a peripheral area 200NA of sensor layer 200a (e.g., in peripheral area 200NA of sensor layer 200a or on peripheral area 200NA of sensor layer 200 a). For example, the traces 21r, 22r1, 22r2a1, 22r2b2, and 22r3 may include a first trace 21r, a second trace 22r1, a third trace 22r2a1, a fourth trace 22r2b2, and a fifth trace 22r 3.

The electrode 210 may be electrically connected to the first driver IC200C1 via the first trace 21 r. The first intersecting electrode 221 may be electrically connected to the second driver IC200C2 via a second wire trace 22r 1. The first boundary electrode 222a of the second intersection electrode 222 may be electrically connected to both the first driver IC200C1 and the second driver IC200C2 via the third wire trace 22r2a 1. The second boundary electrode 222b of the second intersection electrode 222 may be electrically connected to both the first driver IC200C1 and the second driver IC200C2 via the fourth wire trace 22r2b 2. The third intersecting electrode 223 may be electrically connected to the first driver IC200C1 via a fifth wire trace 22r 3.

The first driver IC200C1, the second driver IC200C2, and the microcontroller 200C3 may all be mounted on the circuit film FPC-2. The circuit film FPC-2 may include a first line CL1, a second line CL2, a first connection line CNL1b, a second connection line CNL2b, a third connection line CCLxa, and a fourth connection line CCLya.

The first line CL1 may electrically connect the first boundary electrode 222a and the second driver IC200C2 to each other. The second line CL2 may electrically connect the second boundary electrode 222b and the first driver IC200C1 to each other. The first connection line CNL1b may electrically connect the first line CL1 and the first driver IC200C1 to each other, and the second connection line CNL2b may electrically connect the second line CL2 and the second driver IC200C2 to each other.

Fig. 11 is a plan view illustrating a display panel and a circuit film according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In fig. 11, the same or substantially the same components as those described above with reference to fig. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and thus, redundant description thereof may not be repeated, and differences between the embodiment of fig. 10 and the embodiment of fig. 11 may be mainly described in more detail hereinafter.

Referring to fig. 11, the sensor layer 200a-1 may be electrically connected to the circuit film FPC-3.

The first connection line CNL1c and the second connection line CNL2c may be disposed in the sensor layer 200 a-1. For example, the first connection line CNL1c and the second connection line CNL2c may be disposed at the peripheral area 200NA (e.g., in the peripheral area 200NA or on the peripheral area 200 NA).

The first connection line CNL1c may be electrically connected with the third trace 22r2a 1. Further, the first connection line CNL1c may be electrically connected to the corresponding first pad PD1a among the first pads PD1 a. Accordingly, the first boundary electrode 222a may be electrically connected with the first driver IC200C1 via the first connection line CNL 1C.

The second connection line CNL2c may be electrically connected with the fourth trace 22r2b 2. Further, the second connection line CNL2c may be electrically connected to the corresponding second pad PD2a of the second pads PD2 a. Accordingly, the second boundary electrode 222b may be electrically connected with the second driver IC200C2 via the second connection line CNL 2C.

Fig. 12A is a plan view illustrating a display panel and a circuit film according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12B is a rear view of the display panel and the circuit film shown in fig. 12A.

Referring to fig. 12A and 12B, a portion of the display panel DPc in which the first pad area PDA1B is defined and a portion of the display panel DPc in which the second pad area PDA2B is defined may be bent toward the rear surface of the display panel DPc. Therefore, when the display panel DPc is viewed from the front as shown in fig. 12A, the first pad area PDA1b and the second pad area PDA2b may not be visible. Since the first and second pad areas PDA1b and PDA2b are disposed on the rear surface of the display panel DPc, the area of the non-display area NDA (for example, refer to fig. 1A) of the display device 1000 may be reduced.

The circuit film FPCa may be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel DPc, and may be connected to (e.g., bonded or attached to) the display panel DPc. For example, the circuit film FPCa may be connected to (e.g., bonded to or attached to) the first pad area PDA1b and the second pad area PDA2 b. The circuit film FPCa may be a flexible circuit film. The circuit film FPCa may be folded and unfolded together with the display panel DPc when the display panel DPc is folded and unfolded about the folding axis FX.

The first driver IC200C1, the second driver IC200C2, and the microcontroller 200C3 may be mounted on the circuit film FPCa. The first driver IC200C1, the second driver IC200C2, and the microcontroller 200C3 may be disposed at an area not overlapping the folding axis FX (e.g., in or on an area not overlapping the folding axis FX), and at an area not overlapping the folding area FA (e.g., referring to fig. 1A and 1B) (e.g., in or on an area not overlapping the folding area FA (e.g., referring to fig. 1A and 1B)).

Although an example shape of the circuit film FPCa is illustrated in fig. 12B, the shape of the circuit film FPCa is not limited to the example illustrated in fig. 12B. For example, as long as the circuit film FPCa can be connected to (e.g., bonded to or attached to) the first pad area PDA1b and the second pad area PDA2b, the shape of the circuit film FPCa may be variously modified as needed or desired.

Although fig. 12A and 12B illustrate an example in which the first and second pad areas PDA1B and PDA2B of the display panel DPc are bent toward the rear surface of the display panel DPc, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first and second pad areas PDA1B and PDA2B of the display panel DPc may not be bent toward the rear surface of the display panel DPc as shown in fig. 12B, and the circuit film FPCa may be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel DPc. In this case, a portion (or portions) of the circuit film FPCa may be bent toward the upper surface of the display panel DPc, and may be connected to (e.g., bonded or attached to) the first pad area PDA1b and the second pad area PDA2 b.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged plan view illustrating the sensing unit shown in fig. 5.

Referring to fig. 13, a portion of one electrode 210 and a portion of one intersecting electrode 220 may be defined as one sensing unit (e.g., as one sensor or one sensing region) 200U.

The intersection electrode 220 may include an interdigitated pattern (interdigitated pattern)221p and a bridge pattern 222p electrically connected to the interdigitated pattern 221 p. The interdigitated patterns 221p may be spaced apart from each other with the electrodes 210 between the interdigitated patterns 221 p. The bridge pattern 222p may overlap the electrode 210. The bridge pattern 222p may insulatively cross the electrode 210.

The interdigitated pattern 221p and the electrode 210 may be disposed at the same layer as each other (e.g., in or on the same layer as each other), and the bridge pattern 222p may be disposed at a different layer from that of the interdigitated pattern 221p and the electrode 210 (e.g., in or on a different layer from that of the interdigitated pattern 221p and the electrode 210). For example, the interdigitated pattern 221p and the electrode 210 may be included at the second conductive layer 204 (e.g., refer to fig. 4) (e.g., in the second conductive layer 204 (e.g., refer to fig. 4) or on the second conductive layer 204 (e.g., refer to fig. 4)), and the bridge pattern 222p may be included at the first conductive layer 202 (e.g., refer to fig. 4) (e.g., in the first conductive layer 202 (e.g., refer to fig. 4) or on the first conductive layer 202 (e.g., refer to fig. 4)). This structure may be referred to as a bottom bridge structure. However, the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the interdigitated pattern 221p and the electrode 210 may be included at the first conductive layer 202 (e.g., refer to fig. 4) (e.g., in the first conductive layer 202 (e.g., refer to fig. 4) or on the first conductive layer 202 (e.g., refer to fig. 4)), and the bridge pattern 222p may be included at the second conductive layer 204 (e.g., refer to fig. 4) (e.g., in the second conductive layer 204 (e.g., refer to fig. 4) or on the second conductive layer 204 (e.g., refer to fig. 4)). This structure may be referred to as a top bridge structure.

In addition, the sensor layer 200 (e.g., refer to fig. 4) may further include a dummy pattern 200D disposed at an area where the interdigital pattern 221p and the electrode 210 are not disposed (e.g., in an area where the interdigital pattern 221p and the electrode 210 are not disposed or on an area where the interdigital pattern 221p and the electrode 210 are not disposed). The dummy pattern 200D may be a component for preventing or substantially preventing the electrodes 210 and the intersecting electrodes 220 from being visible from the outside. The dummy pattern 200D may be an electrically floating pattern. The dummy pattern 200D may be referred to as a pattern or a floating pattern. The dummy pattern 200D may be disposed at the same layer as the interdigital pattern 221p and the electrode 210 (e.g., in the same layer as the interdigital pattern 221p and the electrode 210 or on the same layer as the interdigital pattern 221p and the electrode 210).

The interdigital pattern 221p, the electrode 210, and the dummy pattern 200D may each have a mesh structure. In this case, an opening may be defined in each of the interdigital pattern 221p, the electrode 210, and the dummy pattern 200D. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the interdigitated pattern 221p, the electrode 210, and the dummy pattern 200D may each be implemented with a transparent electrode in which an opening is not defined.

Fig. 14 is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 14, the display device 1000x may be a rigid display device. The display device 1000x may include a display panel DPx. The sensor layer of the display panel DPx may be controlled by a plurality of driver ICs. The plurality of driver ICs may include a first driver IC200C1 and a second driver IC200C2 (e.g., refer to fig. 5). A portion of the sensor layer sensed by both the first driver IC200C1 and the second driver IC200C2 (e.g., refer to fig. 5) may be defined as a boundary area BA. For example, the boundary area BA may correspond to the second area 200a2 described above with reference to fig. 5 to 11.

The first pad area PDA1x and the second pad area PDA2x may be defined on the display panel DPx. The first and second pad areas PDA1x and PDA2x may be spaced apart from each other in a direction (e.g., the second direction DR2) crossing an extending direction (e.g., the first direction DR1) in which the border area BA extends. A plurality of pads may be disposed at each of the first and second pad areas PDA1x and PDA2x (e.g., in each of the first and second pad areas PDA1x and PDA2x or on each of the first and second pad areas PDA1x and PDA2 x). The plurality of pads may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR 1.

The first driver IC200C1 (see, e.g., fig. 5) may be electrically connected to the sensor layer through the first pad area PDA1x, and the second driver IC200C2 (see, e.g., fig. 5) may be electrically connected to the sensor layer through the second pad area PDA2 x. As another example, both the first driver IC200C 1a and the second driver IC200C 2a (e.g., refer to fig. 6) may be connected to the first pad area PDA1x or the second pad area PDA2 x.

Fig. 15 is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 15, the display device 1000y may be a foldable display device 1000y that is folded or unfolded. The display device 1000y may include a display panel DPy. For example, the display panel DPy may be bent around a folding axis FXx parallel or substantially parallel to the first direction DR1, and the first direction DR1 may be a direction along which long sides of the display device 1000y extend. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the display panel may be bent based on a folding axis parallel to a short side of the display device.

The sensor layer of the display panel DPy may be controlled by a plurality of driver ICs. The plurality of driver ICs may include a first driver IC200C1 and a second driver IC200C2 (e.g., refer to fig. 5). A portion of the sensor layer sensed by both the first driver IC200C1 and the second driver IC200C2 (e.g., refer to fig. 5) may be defined as a boundary area BA. For example, the boundary area BA may correspond to the second area 200a2 described above with reference to fig. 5 to 11. The direction in which the boundary area BA extends may be the same as or substantially the same as the direction in which the folding axis FXx extends (e.g., in the first direction DR1 for example). The folding axis FXx may overlap the boundary area BA.

A first pad area PDA1y and a second pad area PDA2y may be defined on the display panel DPy. The first pad area PDA1y and the second pad area PDA2y may be both spaced apart from the border area BA in the second direction DR 2. A plurality of pads may be disposed at each of the first and second pad areas PDA1y and PDA2y (e.g., in each of the first and second pad areas PDA1y and PDA2y or on each of the first and second pad areas PDA1y and PDA2 y). The plurality of pads may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR 1.

The first driver IC200C1 (see, e.g., fig. 5) may be electrically connected to the sensor layer through the first pad area PDA1y, and the second driver IC200C2 (see, e.g., fig. 5) may be electrically connected to the sensor layer through the second pad area PDA2 y. As another example, both the first driver IC200C 1a (e.g., refer to fig. 6) and the second driver IC200C 2a (e.g., refer to fig. 6) may be connected to the first pad area PDA1y or the second pad area PDA2 y.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure described above, the sensor layer may be controlled by a plurality of driver ICs. Some of the electrodes (e.g., the boundary electrodes) of the sensor layer may be all connected to a plurality of driver ICs. The sensing sensitivity of the sensor layer may be improved by minimizing or reducing the path of the connection line connecting the boundary electrode and the plurality of driver ICs to each other or by minimizing or reducing the resistance of the connection line.

For example, in some embodiments, a connection line connecting the boundary electrode and the plurality of driver ICs to each other may be disposed on the circuit film. In this case, the connection line provided on the circuit film may have a low resistance of several ohms. Therefore, it is possible to reduce or remove a difference between timings at which a plurality of driver ICs receive signals from the same boundary electrode. Further, since the connection line is provided on the circuit film, noise introduced into the connection line can be reduced. Accordingly, the sensing sensitivity of the sensor layer may be improved.

For example, in some embodiments, the connecting line may be disposed at a peripheral region of the sensor layer (e.g., in or on the peripheral region of the sensor layer). In this case, the connection line connecting the boundary electrode and the plurality of driver ICs to each other may have a shape surrounding the active area (e.g., around the periphery of the active area). Accordingly, the path or length of the connection line can be reduced, and the possibility that noise may be introduced into the connection line can be reduced or removed.

While some example embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications may be made in the example embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It will be understood that the description of features or aspects in each embodiment should generally be considered as applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments, unless described otherwise. Thus, unless specifically stated otherwise, features, characteristics and/or elements described in connection with a particular embodiment may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics and/or elements described in connection with other embodiments, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and is not to be construed as limited to the specific example embodiments disclosed herein, and that various modifications to the disclosed example embodiments, as well as other example embodiments, are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (21)

1. A display device, the display device comprising:

a display panel, comprising: a display layer configured to display an image; and a sensor layer on the display layer and configured to sense an external input, the sensor layer including a first region, a second region adjacent to the first region in a first direction, and a third region adjacent to the second region in the first direction;

a first driver electrically connected with the sensor layer through a first pad area of the display panel; and

a second driver electrically connected with the sensor layer through a second pad area of the display panel,

wherein the sensor layer comprises: a plurality of electrodes spaced apart from each other along a second direction crossing the first direction, each of the plurality of electrodes being located at the first, second, and third regions; a plurality of first intersecting electrodes at the first region and spaced apart from each other along the first direction, the plurality of first intersecting electrodes being electrically connected with the first driver; a plurality of second intersecting electrodes at the second region and spaced apart from each other along the first direction, the plurality of second intersecting electrodes being electrically connected with the first driver and the second driver; and a plurality of third intersecting electrodes at the third region and spaced apart from each other along the first direction, the plurality of third intersecting electrodes being electrically connected with the second driver, and

wherein each of the first pad area and the second pad area is spaced apart from the second area in the first direction.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first pad area and the second pad area are spaced apart from each other, and the first to third areas are between the first pad area and the second pad area.

3. The display device according to claim 2, further comprising:

a circuit film attached to the first pad area and the second pad area,

wherein the first driver and the second driver are on the circuit film.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the circuit film comprises:

a first connection line configured to connect the first driver and one of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes to each other; and

a second connection line configured to connect the second driver and another second intersecting electrode of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes to each other.

5. The display device according to claim 2, further comprising:

a first circuit film attached to the first pad area; and

a second circuit film attached to the second pad area and electrically connected to the first circuit film,

wherein the first driver is on the first circuit film and the second driver is on the second circuit film.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second light sources are arranged in a matrix,

wherein the sensor layer includes an active area and a peripheral area around the active area,

wherein the plurality of electrodes, the plurality of first intersecting electrodes, the plurality of second intersecting electrodes, and the plurality of third intersecting electrodes are at the active area, and

wherein the sensor layer further comprises: a first connection line at the peripheral region and surrounding the active region, the first connection line being electrically connected with one of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes; and a second connection line at the peripheral region and surrounding the active region, the second connection line being electrically connected with another second intersecting electrode of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein the first driver and the second driver are each electrically connected to the first connection line and the second connection line.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first pad area and the second pad area are spaced apart from the third area in the first direction and are adjacent to each other in the second direction,

wherein the display device further comprises a circuit film attached to the first pad area and the second pad area, and

wherein the first driver and the second driver are on the circuit film.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein the circuit film comprises:

a first line electrically connected to one of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes and electrically connected to the second driver;

a second line electrically connected to another second intersecting electrode of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes and electrically connected to the first driver;

a first connection line configured to connect the first line and the first driver to each other; and

a second connection line configured to connect the second line and the second driver to each other.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display panel comprises:

a plurality of first pads at the first pad area; and

a plurality of second pads at the second pad area, and

wherein the plurality of first pads are spaced apart from each other in the second direction and the plurality of second pads are spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display panel includes a folding area configured to be folded and unfolded around a folding axis extending in the second direction, the folding axis overlapping with the second area.

12. A display device, the display device comprising:

a display panel, comprising: a display layer configured to display an image; and a sensor layer on the display layer and configured to sense an external input, the sensor layer including a first region, a second region adjacent to the first region in a first direction, and a third region adjacent to the second region in the first direction;

a first driver electrically connected with the sensor layer through a first pad area of the display panel; and

a second driver electrically connected with the sensor layer through a second pad area of the display panel,

wherein the display panel is configured to be folded and unfolded about a folding axis extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, the folding axis overlapping the second region, and

wherein the display panel further comprises: a plurality of first pads at the first pad area and spaced apart from each other in the second direction; and a plurality of second pads at the second pad area and spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

13. The display device of claim 12, wherein the sensor layer comprises:

a plurality of electrodes spaced apart from each other in the second direction, each of the plurality of electrodes being located at the first region, the second region, and the third region;

a plurality of first intersecting electrodes at the first region and spaced apart from each other in the first direction, the plurality of first intersecting electrodes being electrically connected with the first driver;

a plurality of second intersecting electrodes at the second region and spaced apart from each other in the first direction, the plurality of second intersecting electrodes being electrically connected with the first driver and the second driver; and

a plurality of third intersecting electrodes at the third region and spaced apart from each other in the first direction, the plurality of third intersecting electrodes being electrically connected with the second driver.

14. The display device of claim 13, wherein the sensor layer further comprises:

a first connection line electrically connected to one of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes; and

a second connection line electrically connected to another of the second intersecting electrodes and

wherein each of the first and second connection lines surrounds the plurality of electrodes, the plurality of first intersecting electrodes, the plurality of second intersecting electrodes, and the plurality of third intersecting electrodes.

15. The display device according to claim 13, further comprising:

a circuit film attached to the first pad area and the second pad area,

wherein the first driver and the second driver are on the circuit film.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein the circuit film comprises:

a first connection line configured to connect the first driver and one of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes to each other; and

a second connection line configured to connect the second driver and another second intersecting electrode of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes to each other.

17. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the first pad area and the second pad area are spaced apart from each other, and the first to third areas are between the first pad area and the second pad area.

18. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the first pad area and the second pad area are spaced apart from the third area in the first direction and are adjacent to each other in the second direction.

19. A display device, the display device comprising:

a sensor layer comprising: a plurality of electrodes; and a plurality of first intersecting electrodes, a plurality of second intersecting electrodes, and a plurality of third intersecting electrodes intersecting the plurality of electrodes;

a first driver electrically connected to the first plurality of intersecting electrodes and the second plurality of intersecting electrodes through a first plurality of pads; and

a second driver electrically connected with the plurality of second intersecting electrodes and the plurality of third intersecting electrodes through a plurality of second pads,

wherein the sensor layer further comprises: a first region at which the plurality of first intersecting electrodes are located; a second region at which the plurality of second intersecting electrodes are located; and a third region at which the plurality of third phase-crossed electrodes are located,

wherein the first region, the second region, and the third region are adjacent to each other along a first direction,

wherein the second region is configured to be folded and unfolded about a folding axis extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and

wherein the plurality of first pads are spaced apart from the second region in the first direction, the plurality of second pads are spaced apart from the second region in the first direction, and the plurality of first pads and the plurality of second pads are spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

20. The display device according to claim 19, further comprising:

a circuit film attached to the plurality of first pads and the plurality of second pads, the first driver and the second driver being located on the circuit film, and

wherein the circuit film includes: a first connection line configured to connect the first driver and one of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes to each other; and a second connection line configured to connect the second driver and another second intersecting electrode of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes to each other.

21. The display device of claim 19, wherein the sensor layer further comprises:

a first connection line electrically connected to one of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes; and

a second connection line electrically connected to another second intersecting electrode of the plurality of second intersecting electrodes, and

wherein each of the first and second connection lines surrounds the plurality of electrodes, the plurality of first intersecting electrodes, the plurality of second intersecting electrodes, and the plurality of third intersecting electrodes.

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